My Mercedes Benz

Umbrella With Premium Insignia!

It was a perfect day to leisure around due to a public holiday on the occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr. I woke up a little late, and after a quick breakfast and a glance through the newspapers, I

decided to get my wardrobe organised. You know, a thrilling way to spend a holiday.

Suddenly, behind heaps of clothes, I came across a fourteen-inch-long barrel wrapped neatly with several layers of

newspapers that appeared almost like a grandmother's parcel! Curiously, I unpacked the stuff and discovered it was the Mercedes-Benz pocket umbrella which I had hidden from sight ever since I bought it at the eleventh Auto Expo held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi, in January 2012.

The reason for keeping it off from public view was primarily due to the guilt of purchasing it at a prohibitive price

unknowingly, which I realised only after scrutinising the bill and the SMS on the transaction sent to my mobile by my bank upon reaching home. Ah, the joys of impulse buying! 

For the first time, I took a close look at it and examined it from every angle. The two-fold telescopic umbrella is definitely made of high-quality spokes, designer waterproof fabric, and an elegant polished wooden handle. Who knew umbrellas could be so fancy?

The wooden handle sports a black square metallic button on the side that enables the umbrella to open up with a press and a big logo of Mercedes-Benz at the tip. Holding the umbrella gives a premium feel and appears to have been manufactured with utmost precision, just like its range of automobiles. It's almost as if I'm holding a miniature version of their luxury cars, without the risk of a fender bender.

At the Auto Expo, there were several pavilions set up by almost all major global automobile manufacturers. The Mercedes-Benz pavilion was one of the topmost attractions, drawing

maximum footfalls. During the seven-day event, I made several attempts to visit this pavilion but gave up due to the serpentine lines. It was like trying to get into a popular nightclub, but instead of bouncers, there were shiny cars.

On the final day, I decided to arrive at the venue early in the morning and squeeze in some time to visit this pavilion in particular. To add extra spice to the event, dozens of international models were flown in, each standing beside different Mercedes variants on display. It was like a car show and a fashion show had a glamorous baby.

After viewing a variety of sedans, off-roaders, sports cars, hybrids, and concept cars, I moved across to a stall selling Mercedes-Benz memorabilia. From cufflinks, tie pins, caps, keychains, badges, bags, jackets, umbrellas—everything had the Mercedes-Benz logo on it. The counter was crowded with fashionable young men and women, and a couple of models walked past, encouraging me to do some quick photography. Who knew buying a souvenir could feel like attending a celebrity meet-and-greet?

I spotted an umbrella and asked the price. The salesperson responded with an accent and a smile, "Sir, this is 378/-..." Although I thought it was slightly expensive compared to such

varieties found in the open market, I felt it was fine considering I was buying it at an event like this. Plus, I would hardly get time to go shopping for an umbrella. I mean, who needs practicality when you can have prestige?

Having made up my mind, I flaunted my debit card at the counter, and within seconds, the amount was debited, and the umbrella, inserted into an elegant paper bag, became my new possession. It was only after reaching home late in the evening

that I realised the blunder I had made—the original price quoted for the umbrella was in four digits, and I had missed the last one! This drove me to hide the umbrella completely from public view, the best way to forget about the episode. Out of sight, out of mind, right? 

But today, I realized that this is a wonderful piece and a remembrance of my visit to one of the world's best premium car manufacturer's pavilions. Even if I can never own a four-set of wheels of this brand in my life, who cares—I have at least a Mercedes-Benz umbrella. Let the Delhi monsoon rains start, and I am surely going to flaunt it! I might even start a trend with my stylish rain gear, becoming the envy of every pedestrian caught in a downpour. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter—who wouldn’t be curious about an umbrella with such a backstory? Now, every time it rains, I’ll have a reason to smile, knowing I have a piece of automotive luxury right in my hand. 

So, here's to hidden treasures in wardrobes and the joy of rediscovering them. Next time I feel the urge to tidy up, who knows what other forgotten luxuries I will uncover!

Video clips related to the Auto Expo:

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A BPO Party

From the Archives-1: Recovered this manuscript that was written six years ago...

 The Great Night of Indulgence 

Noida's night life has slowly gained momentum. Come

weekend and the pubs and resto-bars are abuzz with people from the BPO companies relaxing after a hectic work schedule.

Often referred as the Sunshine Industry, organisations such as HCL, Steria (formerly Xanza), CSC, EXL Service .Com etc are known to hold parties just to ensure employees stress level stay low and to bridge the gap of high attrition.

And here the coolest hangouts to name a few can be

anywhere from Chicane, Ice Cube, Tantra, RPM or Elevate depending upon the budget allocated by respective organisations.

FLASH DANCE: Party revelers rocking 

On Friday, 09 May 2008 all roads led to RPM - a resto bar located at Sector 18, opposite Atta market. The occasion was EXL's Aviva process party.

Headquartered in New York, EXL Service.Com's

Noida employees were all dressed to kill. From jeans. capri, mini skirts, spaghetti and high-heeled clogs, women-folk were sporting bright colours with sparkles and sequins. The no makeup visage, smoky eyes, metallic coloured lips and eye-liners including designer tattoo added to their glam quotient.

Men-folk too were smartly dressed in casuals and semi formals while many sported a clean shaven and gelled-wet hair look.

Though small to accommodate a big crowd, but this

resto bar is unique and out of the world. The walls are covered with smooth polished round logs that can remind a cowboy salon from one of the flicks of yesteryear Hollywood super star Clint Eastwood's. RPM's owner Reshmi disclosed it had been designed to give that cool effect. 

BAR CODE: Shsss...!! Pour us each a large, strong & chilled one!

To beat the heat there were various mock-tails, cocktails, including hard and soft drinks. From Blue Lagoon, Virgin Pinacolada to beer, vodka, gin, whisky, scotch was all there to chill.

Gradually the lights got dimmer, lazer and strobe lights

in full action. Resident DJ Prashant took control at the

DISC JOKEY: DJ Prashant belting out sizzling tracks

console belting out sizzling tracks thus, sending the crowd into the dance floor.

Remixes of the '70's and '80's such as Daddy Kool by Boney M; Honey - Honey, Dancing Queen by Abba while Hindi remixes of Bapi Lahiri's famous Pyar bina chain kaha re... and a couple of songs of Nazia Hassan did the trick causing a mass hysteria.

At one point of time confusion arose when RPM's owner pleaded to allow a small group of her loyal customers into the resto bar. EXL's managers were assured there would not be any trouble since she was confident about her clients who would be confined to a secluded corner. To keep the slightest of any kind of unpleasant situation at bay, a network of infrared surveillance cameras were fitted in strategic places, besides a few bouncers at standby.

The floor swelled up with a turnout of more than 60  EXLites and invitees leaving no space to stand. The mood was perfect with every individual pumping extra bit of adrenaline and sweet summer sweat shimmering in their forehead!

Conspicuous by his late appearance EXL's Vice

EPICUREAN'S DELIGHT: Eat, drink and make merry...

President of Aviva Operations, Vinod Khemani was seen wriggling and moving to the beat of the music. He had a reason to flaunt his new look trim figure! Invitees such as Assistant Vice President Gaurav Puthran of Aviva Third Party Motor Claims, Managers Mudit Mathur of IB Claims and Philips Philips of Process Excellence including Tamal Bhadra, an ex-EXLite and presently manager at Fidelity in Gurgaon were among others to grace the occasion with their presence. 

Resto bar staff in full regalia served dinner in buffet style but party revelers preferred to grove in until the last beat of the music was over.

As the clock chimed midnight, the curtains came down - the great night of indulgence was finally over. It was

indeed a party in full control. The heavy fuel in the party reveler's body took a back seat and it was now the spirit of EXL - the vibrant logo (X-man if we can call it) virtually coming to life at centre stage with its hands up expressing either to strive for more or telling it was enough for the day...!!

Thank you EXL!

Following are few collages and a video: